voting

So I didn't vote in the Florida primary.

Sorry.

The truth is I'm not very schooled in politics. I don't know anything about the issues...or the candidates...I'm not even sure what I really believe in. Besides that I'm a registered independent (I refuse to be pigeonholed!), so I wouldn't be able to vote for the presidential candidate. (Yes, I know I could have voted on some other items...but what do I know?!) 

I've decided that I would like to know more and I should be more educated. Afterall, running the country is a big deal. I should be informed at least on what the issues are and where everybody stands. 

So I took the first step with this silly internet quiz. (lol)

I know it doesn't really mean anything, but I thought it was interesting. 

Who You Should Vote For

John McCain: 53% Barack Obama: 47% Ron Paul: 47% Mike Huckabee: 33% Hillary Clinton: 27% Mitt Romney: 13% Who you agree with on the war in Iraq: Ron Paul Who you agree with on the economy: Mike Huckabee, John McCain and Ron Paul Who you agree with on health care: Barack Obama Who you agree with on taxes: Mike Huckabee Who you agree with on abortion: Ron Paul Who you agree with on gay rights: Ron Paul and John McCain

Who Should You Vote For?

10 Interesting People in New York

In December of 2005 I took my very first trip to New York City.

I made the trip with David Uribe and Angel Acevedo...and it was a blast. 

We took so many photos and silly videos. We walked all over the city in the three days we were there and saw so many things. At the time we had an idea to put all those videos together and make one long hilarious video. What can I say? I never got around to it. (Sorry, guys)

However, as I was organizing my photos today (I won't even BEGIN to tell you how tedious this process is!), I came across the ones from our NY trip and I remembered another little project we had in mind. We wanted to take photos with ten interesting people that we met in NY, so we could remember them.

And so here it is... Ten Interesting People In New York... Maybe David and Angel can fill in the blanks on things I may have forgotten... 

Scary hat lady...I'm not sure that thing was dead...it had a face!

Man with a very well-trained dog...and he's darn proud of it!

That man sure had a lot to say...he knew the entire history of NY and then some. Met him outside of a used book store... was it in the Village?

Musicians in the subway.

Introducing...Very Tall Man.

Everyone Loves Santa Claus.

He's kinda cute...that's why David picked him.

Spider Man on wheels...no web action today...

Sax Player. Central Park?

Giuliani! lol That's all I have to say about that. Very random moment. 

28 years

Today my mom and dad celebrate 28 years of marriage. :-)

Just wanted to wish them a quick, "Happy Anniversary." 

I love you!

Edit: I found this photo of them on their wedding day! How beautiful! :-)

U2 3D

What I really wanted to do last night was go to the Hard Rock to see my favorite band perform (along with Matchbox 20 and Alanis Morissette). 

However, plans fell through...and although I was deeply saddened by the turn out of events...Alex came through and came up with another great thing to do.

We traveled up to the IMAX theater in Ft. Lauderdale (accompanied by two of Alex's work friends) and saw "U2 3D." The whole night was a blast. I haven't laughed that much in a long time. The ride up was hilarious. We tried calling the IMAX theater three times to get the information about show times and ticket availability as we were racing along the Turnpike. We accidently left a message of us screaming, "What happened?! No! Press 1! Press 1!" on their answering machine. 

*Note to self: I really dislike automated messages.

We arrived just on time and were able to catch the 8:40 showing. The movie was so great. The footage was incredible. And how can you go wrong with tunes from U2? They have amazing songs and great stage presence. It was an interesting experience to have Bono's face right in your face and see the Edge in all his 3D glory. Very interesting. 

Alex had seen U2 live once (a gift from one of his customers! pfft...talk about a great customer), but now we got to see them together. ;-) Aww..

After the movie we walked around Las Olas Riverfront until we found a little place to eat. More laughs. More good times. 

I recommend you go check out the movie. Especially if you've never seen U2 live before...this may be your only chance!

my new job...

I've been quite busy this week...but Anne Marie gently reminded me (as she always does) that I haven't updated you all on my new job.

Well, I'm a pre-school teacher for Miami Baptist Preschool (a ministry of Miami Baptist Church). That's right...your's truly. I have to admit, it's not my dream job and I never expected to become a pre-school teacher...but this is where the Lord has lead me. This whole week I have been at church preparing my room, decorating, making runs to 'Get Smart', writing up lesson plans, reading curriculum books... It's a lot of work. But it's fun too. I'm enjoying it.

The kids start on Monday...and as prepared as I am...I don't know how truly prepared I am. The kids in my classroom are around the age of 2 (one is only 20 months old). I have never worked with two year-olds before. It's a lot different than four and five year-olds. Their language skills aren't on the same level...and I think that's what worries me the most. 

In any case, I'm putting it on God's hands. I will learn as I go. And so will they...hopefully.

Oh...here's my "Jackson Pollack" creation. Thanks Heredes.

Infidelity

One thing you and your fiance have to do before getting married is talk.

About everything. Even those pesky little things that may not be too comfortable to talk about.

That's why I am a big fan of pre-marital counseling. It's really the best thing you could do before walking down the aisle. Alex and I will begin our pre-marital counseling with Pastor Dave in February...and being the little psychologist that I am, I can't wait to get started!

So much so that a couple weeks ago as Alex and I were driving around I decided to bring up The Question. "If I were to ever cheat on you, would you divorce me?" 

The funny thing is the topic came up again last week at our small group Bible study. The topic we were discussing was that there is nothing we can do to make God not love us. He will always love us and forgive us of our failures and shortcomings. I suppose we were talking about how that is not the easiest thing to do. How often do we shun people from our lives for hurting us in some way? And then came the issue of marital infidelity. A few girls expressed their concerns over this issue and did not know if they would want to continue in a marriage in which their husband had been unfaithful.

I realize that cheating has enormous repercussions in a family. It can completely change the way you view someone that you love and it can hurt you more deeply than you ever thought possible. But I also believe that all can be forgiven.  One thing that I have seen in the Bible is that Christ is the "groom" and the church is His "bride." How often have we (His Church) been unfaithful to Him? How many times have we "cheated" on Him or sinned against Him? Yet, He still loves us...He still wants us to spend eternity in Heaven with Him...He will still forgive us again and again. This is the principle I want to apply in my own marriage. 

No matter how hard we try not to, I am certain that Alex and I will hurt each other in some way. We will disappoint each other at some point in our life together, probably numerous times. But we have to make a commitment to stick by each other and forgive each other no matter what. And yes, that includes marital infidelity. Some people may think that cheating is something that is unforgivable, but what kind of testimony is that sending out to the world? No sin is unforgivable. If God can forgive, we should strive to forgive as well. It is difficult beyond words, because after all we are human, but it is possible. That's what unconditional love is all about. 

And for those of you that believe that a marriage is never the same after infidelity has taken place...you're right, it's not the same, but that doesn't mean it has to be horrible. I know of one couple that I admire so much. They have been through some tough times in their marriage (including unfaithfulness) but they are still together and they are still striving to make their marriage honoring to God. I really look up to them and I can see that through their struggles they have emerged an even stronger couple than before.  I really see that their marriage has gotten better over time. It is unfortunate that events took place the way they did, but they have made the best of it, and I admire them for that.

So what do you guys think? 

Danibel & Manuel...Engagement Shoot!

My sister and her fiance had their engagement shoot on Sunday!

The photographer (Stephan Maloman) posted up some of the photos on his blog.  Check them out! This is the same guy that will be shooting for Alex and myself. He is extremely talented. I knew from the moment I saw his portfolio that he was the photographer that I wanted for the wedding. His style is very fresh, stylish, editorial, fashionable. 

Beautiful. I'm excited to see how all the photos turn out.

how do they do it?

You know those girls that ALWAYS look good? Their make up is always perfect (maybe they don't sweat or have oily skin?), their clothes always match and fit perfectly, their hair is always perfectly styled. How do they do it? 

I really think it's an art. I don't know how some girls find the time or talent to make themselves look so good. I find it exhausting whenever I have to style my hair. Which is why I've enjoyed having it short. And I only have one trick up my sleeve...hair iron! Other than that, my hair stays in a (messy) bun. Because I really have no creativity...or talent (in that way). 

And when you see those girls that do amazing make up...where did they learn that?! Most days I go sans make up because I am just NOT inspired. And when I try to play with it a little...it always ends up being the same ol' thing. Black eye liner, mascara, the occasional shadow. Some girls do amazing things with make up. I love it. 

I don't know who they do it. But those girls are my inspiration. I say, KUDOS, to all you girls out there who know how to look good. All those hip and fashionable ladies...little by little, I'm catching up to you. Perhaps one day I'll be just as glamorous as you all. :-)

By the way, Alex and I are taking our engagement photos with Maloman Photographers (formerly Big Fat Knot Studios) on February 10th at 3PM. If any one of you fabulous girls out there can do some beautiful make up work PLEASE let me know. I want my make up to look flawless that day. So...holler! 

on my mind

I've had so many things on my mind lately. 

So many that I can't even talk about it because I wouldn't even know where to begin. 

Last night at Bible study, Pastor Dave was asking us how our life was affected in 2007...and how our experiences would shape 2008. 

Hmm... Well, I mentioned something about how I've always been so spoiled and sheltered and well taken care of. And how in 2007 I was very slowly beginning the process of "growing up." I graduated college, began working full time, got engaged... I'm getting used to the fact that very soon I won't have my grandmother under the same roof with me. I won't be the "baby" anymore. I know I blog about this a lot...but it's all very frightening and it really just consumes my thoughts. 

And so I believe that the work God has started in me in 2007 will be completed in 2008. I don't mean that God will be all finished with me and I will be a perfect spiritual being. FAR from it. What I mean is that in 2007 God began shaping me to become a more independent and responsible person and in 2008 when Alex and I say, "I do," and we make our move...that I will finally be independent (from my parents) and responsible. (Hopefully!) And in growing more independent from my parents, I will become more and more dependent on God. It's a beautiful and scary thing. I believe I have uttered those words before...but again, I can't help it. These thoughts consume me day and night. 

In other news, I quit my job today. Yup. I love my job. I honestly and truly do. And I would stay there, but certain circumstances won't allow it. The 17th of January will be my final day at the Montessori school and the following week I will begin my new job. Details to come later. It was bittersweet informing my boss and my co-workers that I wouldn't continue working there...but I have to do what's best. This is just the first of many changes to occur in 2008. So I better get used to it. 

back to work...

Today I went back to work. It was really great having a two week break...and I was starting to miss those little rugrats. But getting up early and actually GOING to work was rough. 

There are many things that are uncertain in my life right now. And I'm the kind of person that feels anxious when I don't know things. I don't like to be left in the dark. I like to be in control. This is something that I have been struggling with for most of my life. It's hard for me to just "let go." It's hard for me to just say, "Alright God, you're in charge here...I'm not going to worry about it." And even when I do decide to not be in control, but rather let God be in control, I still have mini anxiety attacks. 

Well, I can honestly say that God has never let me down. He has never steered me in the wrong direction. So that does make it easier. He is so wise and He loves us so much. Why shouldn't we trust Him?

The Most Fun A Bride Can Have

Last week my sister and I began the process of registering for gifts!

I never realized what joy that little gun could bring. It's exciting to imagine what our apartment is going to look like. Lord knows I'm not much of an interior decorator...but I believe that our little apartment is going to be the cutest apartment in all of Wake Forest. Especially because thankfully Alex has great taste. 

So if you're interested we are registered at Crate & Barrel and Target. We might still add or remove some items. And just so you know SOME items are only available on-line...so you can order it from the web site and have it shipped to my house...or it might be wise to purchase gift cards. Just some thoughts. ;-) 

But don't worry, there's still time to save up some money... ;-)

Hello 2008!

2008 just got here and I can already tell it's going to be a great year.

Last night Alex and I got all dolled up for a party his co-worker was throwing. Interesting. We didn't know that many people...but hey, who cares? We looked hot. ;-) 

We had to leave the party shortly after midnight because Alex had to be at work today at 8 in the morning. Bleh. So we went home and knocked out. Yes, we're like an old married couple already. 

Anyway...I was thinking about 2008 and it's going to be a crazy year filled with many changes. My sister is getting married in March and I follow shortly after in May. Can you imagine ME married?!? I don't know how to be a wife or maintain a household. I have to be responsible. I can't rely on mom and dad anymore. From now on it'll be just Alex and me. We have to clean for ourselves, cook for ourselves, maintain our finances. I've never been "on my own" before. I've always lived at home with my abuelita and she took darn good care of me! 

Not only will Alex and I be on our own...we will be on our own in North Carolina! Miles and miles away from our families and friends. Alex and I have a married couple that we hang out with. They got married last summer and moved to Miami right away. Her family is in Minnesota and his is in Alabama. Needless to say, they are totally alone in South Florida. She was telling me that it is difficult not having her family nearby because she can't run to them when she and her husband are having problems...but it has forced them to deal with their issues themselves. They have to work everything out without the help of family and in a sense it has made them closer. 

I can only imagine the kinds of arguments Alex and I will have in our apartment in Wake Forest, NC. I'm sure it will be very difficult, but it will always be worth it. 

And so even though I am scared to death about what 2008 has in store for us...I am very excited! I'm excited to finally be able to experience life outside of Miami. I'm excited to start a new life with my love, my best friend. I'm excited to begin my seminary education! I'm excited to meet new people. I'm excited to go to a new church. I'm excited to experience God in a different way than I ever have before. Yup. 2008 is going to be an exciting year.